subject: Five Reminders for Your Diabetes Diet Menu [print this page] Five Reminders for Your Diabetes Diet Menu
In order to prevent further complications brought about by diabetes, you need to plan a diabetes diet menu that can help you control blood sugar levels. When you have diabetes, it means that your body does not produce enough insulin or it does not make use of the insulin well. Insulin helps release glucose into cells to provide the body with energy. Without insulin, glucose stays in the blood and causes and increase in blood glucose levels. If this is not treated soon enough, high blood sugar levels can lead to damages in the heart, kidneys, eyes, and the nerves.
A diabetes diet menu guide can help you achieve your goals such as losing weight and maintaining a normal range of blood sugar levels. Your menu does not only have to contain less sugar, but it should consist a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
1. Take In Whole Grain Foods
Whole grain foods contain complex carbohydrates that can help in controlling the blood glucose levels because they are digested more slowly than simple sugars. Instead of eating refined sugar (simple carbohydrates), eat brown rice, whole wheat bread, or whole wheat pasta.
2. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber that can help patients feel fuller for a longer time. This means that one will not feel hungry one hour after eating, which helps in regulating your eating habits. This will also help control the release of glucose to your body and stabilize energy.
3. Choose Fish and Lean Meats (i.e. Pork loin, skinless chicken)
These protein sources are low in fat and are thus helpful to the body. They provide the necessary protein yet help maintain balance without having too much fat.
4. Opt for Non Fat Dairy
Dairy products are a good source of calcium, but choose those that are low in fat or do not contain fat such as non fat cheese, skim milk, and non fat yogurt.
5. Cut back on the Sweets
Avoid high calorie snacks like full fat ice cream, cakes, and cookies that are also high in sugar.
Keep these five reminders in mind when planning for your daily diabetes diet menu so that you will know which foods to choose.
